Elsewhere in the ruins, a conversation was progressing past the point of stories about the past.
Muffet had finished a story regarding her adoptive mother figure single-handedly beating several other soldiers in a contest of martial prowess. This story being countered with one about Chara training with her father, who was so strong he could break boulders with a punch. Although, both had embellished in some parts, for the sake of the fun of it all.
It was nice to get to sit, relax, and exist without the pressure of the world around them for awhile. The girl feeling quite comfortable in the house at this point. Her stresses, self-doubt and loathing displaced, replaced with a certain harmonious sensation.
After a short time of silence after the stories, Muffet felt a curiosity. A question forming, first in her mind, and then upon her lips. Slipping from them.
"I find myself quite intrigued, dearie." The monster began. "Although you seem like a fairly harmless thing, I can't help but note that you are not." She examined the girl. "You are surprisingly nimble, and hit with far more force than I'd imagine." The girl frowned. "Further, you seemed to revel in 'that fight.' Moving like a person possessed." She hummed. "So, I'm left to wonder, are you merely holding back your power?"
The girl was left to think about that question for a time. There was some internal debate regarding the answer, and then how to answer. In truth, she wagered that wasn't far from the truth of things. Her stats were fairly high for what they were, for reasons she didn't fully understand. Granted, she wasn't sure how she had been doing so well in the fight.
Attempts to recall it had resulted in foggy thoughts, and half-memories. All she had done, really, was give in to her instincts. Let the cold smother her doubt, and replace it with certainty. In a sense, no longer holding herself back, and merely letting slip a persevering hate.
"I don't know, about that." The girl replied. "Admittedly, I...I dunno. I guess, I have an idea, but..." She contemplated her response. "This may sound strange, to explain though."
"It's been a strange day, dearie." The woman commented, motioning. "I'm sure we can tolerate a little more, if you desire to share."
"Thank you. It's just..I dunno, I guess I was angry." The girl said. "Hearing her threaten everyone, well, I stopped over thinking things. And just did." She pondered. "That probably sounds silly, but it's like...I feel like I've done this before. And, well, I mean, I have, in a sense?" She half-asked. "I've guided others. And I lived my own life. It's not like this was my first set of fights."
"Interesting. Though, I wager you won't elaborate on the rest, regarding the latter sensation...you mean something different than your recalled experiences, yes?" The woman guessed, while standing up. "That it all seems familiar in ways you may be unable to vocalize?"
"Yes." The girl said. "It's...in the back of my mind. I don't know...maybe, I-I don't understand it. I'm sorry."
"You know, some individuals participate in the concept of deja vu." Muffet noted. "There are some explanations for these. Alongside theories that some adopt to explain the more 'precise' moments."
The spider-lady remarked on this, while picking up her tea-kettle. Starting off, and towards the kitchen. Led by some instinctive desire. The girl listening curiously.
"Such as?" Chara asked.
"Well, there is a monster here named Jerry." Muffet noted, recalling a conversation. "Some time ago, he was talking at me about this idea that deja vu is some part of your being, overlapping with another version of you." She explained. "As if your being, is converging with another, for a moment. Permitting you to anticipate what they have, or are experiencing. In indirect fashion."
The girl began attempting to work her head around what was being discussed. However it didn't take her long to develop a hypothesis. The many worlds idea, or multiverse concept. It was something that was popular in some shows, media and the sort. The idea of different worlds layered on top of one another.
Sometimes it was different timelines, or dimensions. But functionally it didn't matter much which one it was. What mattered was that her suggestion, was that the moments of instinct were impressions of another her. Or countless other hers, going through, or having gone through similar things.
A sort of shared knowledge across realities. A fascinating idea, which she wasn't sure was accurate. Though, there is always some minor truth to theory, if only a miniscule shred.
The girl smiled some. "So I'm recalling stuff from a dozen different me's?" The girl snickered. "I wonder if there's a world where I have red hair or something. That'd be wild."
For a moment, she imagined a world were she was a boy. Where she had bright orange eyes. Where she made friends with a bunch of strangers, wearing a cool orange bandana. It was a weird, and intrusive thought. She raised a brow to herself at the concept. That would be a weird reality.
"Based on the concept, yes, in a sense." Muffet replied. "It's a theory, of course. Perhaps there's truth to it, or, perhaps something within you just clicked in the moment." She pondered. "You do appear to be a gifted fighter, for a spellcaster."
"I'm...not the best spellcaster." Chara admitted. "I only have a couple spells."
"These things can be learned." Muffet noted with a nod, before asking. "Permit me another inquiry, if you might. What are you trying to do?" The girl raised a brow. "What is motivating you?"
"I want to go home." Chara replied plainly. "I miss my family, and...I want to see them again." She smiled a little. "I want them to be happy, and safe."
Muffet had begun boiling the water in the tea-pot. Preparing the means for a friendlier sort of drink. Making sure everything was clean and clear before said water got used for anything. She didn't want anyone to get sick. Especially in her home.
"An honest motivation." Muffet sighed, before inquiring. "Earlier...You mentioned that you were being hunted by someone. Do you recall that?" She hummed. "Is that why you're here?"
"I...yes." The girl glanced at the door. "I figured, you seemed tough, even if uh...ya know-" She mentioned the sneak attack indirectly. "so it'd be safer around you."
"The idea that you can deal as much damage as you can, and you're seeking protection inspires in me the most peculiar fear." The woman noted, adding. "Who is this being?"
Chara considered the first bit of thought. About her being stronger than she seemed. However, some aspect of her thought corrected the term. She wasn't 'stronger.' She was more powerful. Her LV, was lower than her stats might usually permit. Though she was uncertain 'why.' Regardless, she turned to the latter half, and a question formed.
"You're..uhm, you're Muffet right?" Chara asked.
It was then that Muffet noted something most curious. As of this moment, she had neglected any form of proper introduction. It was rather unbecoming, and unintentional.
"Fufufu, oh dear, I never introduced myself." Muffet noted. "Well, yes, I am, and you are?"
"Chara." Chara replied. "Greetings, and it's nice to meet you."
The name was familiar in some way the monster couldn't quantify. Had she heard it before? If she had, it was likely only in passing. But then, sometimes beings had the same names, so that wasn't specifically surprising.
"I suppose it's nice to meet you as well." The spider-monster sighed, as the tea-kettle whistled. "So, why is it you're seeking some affirmation to my name?"
"Well, it's the lady you left watching your shop." The human explained, wandering to the island countertop "She's the one-"
"Watching my shop?" Muffet raised a brow. "Dearie, I would never let someone watch my shop when I'm not there."
"She told me and Undyne you had." The girl noted, curiously. "She's like...she resembles a human, uhm, like me. But she's not."
"The Non-Human monster. Interesting." Muffet raised a brow. "I'm aware of her, if only in a vague sense."
It was peculiar to the woman that such an odd being was being referenced in such a fashion. In her mind, she had always considered the monster to be a mannequin of sorts. Likely being a ghost inhabiting one. Then again, she had always found the body to be far too in-tact for that hypothesis to be completely valid.
It was only a short time ago that the non-human had arrived in the ruins. The arrival marked by the odd being crawling through debris in one of the long broken tunnels, if the story she'd heard was to be believed. Claiming the passage had collapsed, and she'd only barely managed to get through. Stuck then, in their little hell.
Muffet, for her part, had always found the story to be peculiar. Though, the nature of the woman was perpetually disconcerting. The way she wandered around, humming as she went. Sticking away from the other monsters, lurking in strange locations, resting while standing in the shadowy corners of places rarely traveled. Always seeming to be waiting.
There had been a theory around the residential area, passed by some of the old warriors. Believing the non-human to be one of the creatures from the dark, and perhaps that was true. Granted, trying to kill the human to steal her soul, well, sadly, the monster understood the logic. But, based on the limited bit she'd heard, and the concern the child showed, it sounded more like stalking.
Breaking the thoughts, Chara chimed in. "She killed someone in the dark. I don't know who. But she didn't even have a reason, he was just talking and-" The girl glanced. "then he wasn't." She then added. "She claims she wants to 'protect me' but...I don't...think that's true." She added. "It's...I don't know how to explain it. It's like...when she's around, I get this feeling...every part of me just...screaming, wanting to run."
"That's instinctual fear, dearie." Muffet replied, feeling sympathy. "Well, for now, we'll stay in here, where she is not." The monster suggested, smiling. "Perhaps we can even get Heatdrake to assist. He does seem so keen to help you after you spared his life after all."
Her sarcastic tone, and mild irritation was noted. The girl considered this. In truth, all she needed to do now was leave. Well, that and find Undyne. Warn the monsters, maybe? She thought back to her agreement with Temmie. Wondering if she should have told them anything at all?
"I don't know. I-" The girl paused. "I was considering heading to the exit?"
"Fufufu, desire~" The woman filled a few containers with the tea. "Allow me to comment, rather plainly, you seem exhausted." She noted, the girl sighing. "Don't sigh. You know I'm correct in this assessment. So, perhaps, you should take a nap."
"But-" The child began.
"It will be fine." Muffet promised. "I'll wake you in an hour or two." She nodded. "Even your 'big sis' must sleep. Trust me, rest is a needed component for any warriors kit."
"I...guess." Chara muttered. "Once...I wake up. Will you accompany me to the exit?" She asked, before clarifying. "I don't want to walk alone. I...I dunno."
Seeing the scared child elicited a response in the monster. It was the sensation of sympathy, of an off sort of empathy towards this situation. Even if it was just a straight path from here on out, the prospect of the stalker inspired some necessity to the idea. Besides, the monster had already intended to go visit her mother anyways. So this wasn't too great a departure.
"Of course, Chara." The woman assured. "I'll ensure that you arrive safely."
"Thank you." The girl smiled. "Sorry to...ask."
"Don't apologize, you silly child." The woman smirked. "It is the task of adults to look out for the younger generations. Not condemn them for the actions of twisted individuals." She noted. "Now. Turn on your show, and get some rest. I'll prepare food, and drink for when you awaken, and our travels." She smiled. "It's important to keep healing items on you."
Whisper noted to Chara. "Yeah, we're bad about that."
Chara agreed, and replied. "Thank you...again."
The girl giving a final glance, before heading to do as she was asked. Turning on the tv, laying down on the couch. Her body was sore, exhausted, and a touch miserable. Honestly, it didn't take very long for her eyes to begin closing.
Had she been so tired the entire time? She didn't know, and she wasn't concerned with it. The girl drifting into rest.
Unaware of events playing out elsewhere in the ruins.